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Robert Salvoni, director of Park House Ventures Ltd, a Truro-based advisory company established in 2012 to provide board level investment support to ambitious businesses in Cornwall, and a champion of the Cornish Embassy in London project, believes the 'embassy' would provide a centralised focal point for Cornish firms in the capital and would make it easier to attract investors from outside the county.

A mock-up of a Cornish flag flying over Westminster (Image: Pixabay/ Greg Martin)

"It's not always easy to attract interest from outside the county and have people come down to Cornwall to see for themselves what business opportunities exist here," Mr Salvoni said.

"The idea of the Cornish Embassy is to have a presence in London that will help coalesce Cornish businesses together so they can network.

"But more importantly they can become ambassadors for Cornwall and showcase the opportunities that exist here in term of trade, investment, as well as in term of our cultural heritage and natural assets."

Modelled on the Liverpool in London Hub for Scousers and the Caledonian Club for Scots, the embassy would act as a centre of gravity for Cornish people to do business in London.

Robert Salvoni, from Park House ventures Ltd is leading the Cornish Embassy in London project

Mr Salvoni said that while London is an important international hub, a Cornish embassy in the capital could be the first step and other such 'embassies' could be created in other world capitals if the need arises.

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He added: "London is the first step toward Cornwall's global ambition. It feels like the right place to start. We're not suggesting that it will be the only place but we have to be realistic. London is a hub not just for London businesses but for people from around the world so it is important that we have a presence there and that we do it right."

The project for an embassy took a tangible turn when it went to Newquay-based Crowdfunder to raise funds to pay for a feasibility study.

It had a target of £30,000, but raised £31,750 in the end which Mr Salvoni said will pay for a Cornwall-based research agency to undergo a study of what Cornish businesses want, need and expect from a permanent presence in London.

The Cornish Embassy brand

He said: "They're going to interview thousands of businesses over the next six weeks to really understand what these businesses require from a London presence. We know that already many businesses use the Institute of Directors, or other clubs or simply touch base at the nearest Costa coffee when they are in the capital.

"We need to find out what they really need from this embassy so it is relevant to them. If we were to set something up but we missed our objectives and were off the mark it would be a wasted opportunity and the business community would never forgive us."

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Mr Salvoni said the embassy would act as a catalyst for Cornish businesses to explore investment and trade opportunities around the globe, but also meet other Cornish firms they may not have otherwise met when in Cornwall and do even more business on their doorstep.

He said businesses from across the board, from retail to tourism, tech to marine technology or aerospace and the creative sector will benefit from a central point in London.

If all goes well a Cornish embassy could be opening up in London before Christmas this year.

"Every member of the project will become an ambassador for Cornwall. They will all deliver the ethos of the Cornish embassy," Mr Salvoni added.